// THREAT DETECTION AND DATA PRIVACY TERM

Data Loss Prevention

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) refers to a set of strategies and tools designed to prevent sensitive information from leaving a secure environment, whether accidentally or maliciously. It identifies, monitors, and blocks unauthorized transfers of confidential data.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a cybersecurity solution comprising policies, processes, and software tools employed to monitor, detect, and block sensitive data from being exfiltrated or misused by unauthorized entities, thereby safeguarding intellectual property, personal identifiable information (PII), and regulatory compliance across network endpoints, cloud environments, and on-premises infrastructure.

BACKGROUND

A data breach, also known as data leakage, is "the unauthorized exposure, disclosure, or loss of personal information". Attackers have a variety of motives, from financial gain to political activism, political repression, and espionage. There are several technical root causes of data breaches, including accidental or intentional disclosure of information by insiders, loss or theft of unencrypted devices, hacking into a system by exploiting software vulnerabilities, and social engineering attacks such as phishing where insiders are tricked into disclosing information. Although prevention efforts can reduce the risk of a data breach, they cannot eliminate it.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Data Leak Prevention
  • Information Loss Prevention
  • DLP
  • Data Exfiltration Prevention

USAGE NOTE

DLP solutions are crucial for organizations handling sensitive customer data or intellectual property, often enforced to meet regulatory requirements like GDPR or HIPAA.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Data Loss Prevention.

  • Broadcom (Symantec Enterprise Division)

    Broadcom's Symantec Enterprise Division offers a comprehensive suite of Data Loss Prevention solutions designed to discover, monitor, and protect sensitive data across endpoints, networks, and cloud applications.

  • Forcepoint

    Forcepoint provides data-first SASE security solutions, with a strong focus on Data Loss Prevention, helping organizations identify and protect critical data wherever it resides and wherever users access it.

  • Trellix

    Trellix, formed from the merger of McAfee Enterprise and FireEye, offers advanced Data Loss Prevention capabilities that integrate with its XDR platform to protect data from exfiltration and misuse across various vectors.

  • Microsoft

    Microsoft integrates Data Loss Prevention capabilities across its Microsoft 365 compliance solutions, Azure Information Protection, and endpoint security to help organizations protect sensitive information across their digital estate.

  • Proofpoint

    Proofpoint specializes in enterprise security and compliance, offering Data Loss Prevention solutions that protect data across email, cloud, and endpoint channels, focusing on human-centric security.

  • Palo Alto Networks

    Palo Alto Networks provides cloud-native Data Loss Prevention as part of its Prisma SASE and Next-Generation Firewall platforms, enabling consistent data protection across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

  • Zscaler

    Zscaler incorporates Data Loss Prevention into its Zero Trust Exchange platform, securing data in motion and at rest across cloud applications, SaaS, and private apps by preventing unauthorized data exfiltration.

  • Fortra (Digital Guardian)

    Fortra, through its Digital Guardian product, offers a dedicated and comprehensive Data Loss Prevention platform that provides visibility and control over sensitive data on endpoints, networks, and the cloud.

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